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Is Congress effective at carrying out its roles as outlined in the…
Is Congress effective at carrying out its roles as outlined in the Constitution?
Legislation
Yes
Major legislation has regularly been passed: Patient protection & Obamacare
Low pass rate means only necessary legislation becomes law
Separation of powers and electoral cycle ensure compromise
The need for supermajorities ensures broad consensus and bipartisanship
Congress can reject legislation that is proposed by the executive which is an important check on the power of the president
Congress can pass emergency legislation when required: CARES 2020 (Coronavirus Aid, Relief & Economy)
No
Not enough major legislation is passed
Only 2-3% bills become law
Presidential vetoes are rarely overturned
Key individuals such as the speaker and the majority leader dominate the legislative process
United government can see legislation passed without suitable scrutiny
In divided government, gridlock can prevent legislation passing
Gridlock is common now which makes bipartisanship difficult
How effectively does Congress carry out its function of legislation?
Representation
Yes
People are represented at 2 levels in the House of Representatives and the Senate
Two parties represent an increasingly partisan environment
Interest groups broaden the opportunities for representation
Caucuses allow underrepresented groups to act together and increase their influence
Representation of minority groups has increased
No
Women and minority groups remain below proportions of national population
Financial advantage incumbents have over challengers
Gerrymandering
Lobbyists from interest groups can influence members of Congress more than their constituents
Pork barrelling - short term focus
Oversight
Yes
Repeatedly voted to override the presidential veto
President will often face intense scrutiny in times of a divided government
Congress use the power of the purse to check the power of the president
Committees oversee investigations of the executive which have far reaching impact
No
Veto override is ineffective given the requirements
Presidents have found ways around the constitutional powers of the Congress
In times of united government and crisis Congress is more likely to act in deference to the president
Presidents have found ways around the constitutional powers of the Congress with the use of executive powers
Overall
Representation
20%
Oversight
60%
Legislation
60%